President Donald Trump announced Monday that the United States will impose 25% tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea, effective August 1, as part of what he called the first in a “wave of letters” targeting U.S. trading partners with new trade measures.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump would publish official tariff letters to the leaders of twelve countries on his Truth Social platform. She also confirmed that Trump would sign an executive order later in the day to formally delay the existing July 9 tariff deadline to August 1.
“Twelve other countries will receive trade letters, which will be posted on President Trump’s Truth Social,” Leavitt said during a White House briefing.
Additional Countries Face Fresh Tariffs
Shortly after Leavitt’s remarks, Trump announced new tariff hikes on five more countries: Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Myanmar, Laos, and South Africa.
- Malaysia and Kazakhstan will be hit with 25% tariffs, affecting key exports like electronics, energy products, and industrial metals.
- Myanmar and Laos will face a steeper 40% tariff on their exports.
- South Africa has been slapped with a 30% tariff.
Trump’s letters, shared publicly on his Truth Social account, warned foreign governments against retaliating.
“If for any reason you decide to raise your tariffs, then whatever number you choose will be added onto the tariffs we charge,” Trump wrote in identical messages addressed to foreign leaders, including Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
Trade Strategy Sparks Global Tensions
The tariff wave is part of Trump’s ongoing effort to reshape U.S. trade policy through unilateral action. The administration argues the measures are meant to protect American industries, though critics warn they may trigger trade wars and raise consumer prices.
Trump’s use of Truth Social as the primary platform for trade announcements highlights his departure from traditional diplomatic channels — and signals a more aggressive and direct approach to international economic policy as his second term unfolds.
